I must say, I am very proud of myself. Breastfeeding is demanding and a huge commitment. It is also a very personal decision and I was really quite surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience. The first week was hard and I was doubtful of my ability and commitment but once both Jack and I got the hang of it it was wonderful. Breastfeeding makes life much easier in my opinion (I've always been terribly lazy about washing bottles!).
I can't tell you how many times during a 3 am feeding I would end up crying from just watching Jack with so much wonder and love flooding my heart. Those nights and memories are something I will cherish forever.
He has taken a bottle very well from day 1 and he has been slowing eliminating feedings by himself. For the past few months, though, he would walk over, tug on my shirt and wine, take a few "tugs" off of the boob and go back to playing. Five minutes later he would be back for more and this process would go on and on. I finally had had enough and we started to do a daily bottle, which began the weaning process. He has had no objections which has made this process much easier on me. Next week, we go down to one feeding (from me) a day (first thing in the morning) and the rest will come from bottles and solid foods.
Again, it's a bittersweet time but I am also REALLY looking forward to having my body belong to me again……if only for a short period of time.

(J took this picture during our fall family photo shoot. Jack was no longer maintaining so he needed a "boob break". Probably one of my favorite photos.)
Lindsey
Ok so this title gave me a chuckle! It's so bittersweet to be nearing the weaning stage! It sounds like you are doing what you should...kind of letting Jack take the lead and letting it go as he is ready. I know what you mean about the "ready to have your body back".....I have moments where it would be so nice to not think about Abbie needing to nurse so the hubby and I could go away for a weekend or something!
ReplyDeleteAlso...good for you for letting your hubby take this pic. I recently had my hubby take one of Abbie and I cause I didn't have one yet, I guess I thought I shouldn't, and then i read on a girls blog who just weaned her baby how it was her most cherished photo, and so I asked Dave to take one. It also is my favorite photo :)
I don't know about you but I am ready to open up a bottle of champagne for getting through their first year :) Happy celebrating Jack's birthday soon, and go out and enjoy yourself! You've earned it!
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement Bridget. It's amazing that we are coming up on a year and you're right, I'm going to crack open a bottle of champagne to celebrate…not only for him but for us ;).
ReplyDeleteI exclusively nursed Brayden until he was 9 months old. He just up and quit one day. It was awful! As much as I feel tied down, I wouldn't change it for the world! Congrats on almost a year!
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